INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - 2022/3
Module code: POL1013
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic the University has revised its courses to incorporate the ‘Hybrid Learning Experience’ in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information. The University has changed the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes. Further information on the general principles of hybrid learning can be found at: Hybrid learning experience | University of Surrey.
We have updated key module information regarding the pattern of assessment and overall student workload to inform student module choices. We are currently working on bringing remaining published information up to date to reflect current practice in time for the start of the academic year 2021/22.
This means that some information within the programme and module catalogue will be subject to change. Current students are invited to contact their Programme Leader or Academic Hive with any questions relating to the information available.
Module Overview
This module provides an introduction to the discipline of International Relations, including topics such as history and theory, as well as empirical case studies.
Module provider
Politics
Module Leader
GILLESPIE Ciaran (Politics)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 4
JACs code: L250
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 97
Lecture Hours: 11
Seminar Hours: 11
Guided Learning: 20
Captured Content: 11
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
The module considers the historical development of IR, its main theoretical approaches and case studies.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | PRESENTATION PORTFOLIO | 40 |
| Coursework | TAKE-HOME EXAM | 60 |
Alternative Assessment
Written critique of a theoretical approach in place of group presentation (500 words).
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate analytical and critical skills across a range of topics. Students are given an opportunity to demonstrate learning in three different areas of core competency for politics students; coursework, group presentation and written examination. While these three areas are fundamental to development, they also give an opportunity for students to balance assessment demands across a range of skill-set areas to compensate for initial, experiential learning in these areas throughout first term.
Module aims
- Provide students with an overview of the development of International Relations as an academic discipline, considering its relationship to historical eras;
- Assist students in developing a theoretical vocabulary by introducing them to the major approaches to the study of international relations;
- Enable students to describe, analyse and understand key issues of historical and contemporary significance, such as war, globalisation and terrorism;
- Encourage students to think critically about these issues, their own views and the role that different theoretical approaches have in shaping our understandings.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
|---|---|---|
| 001 | Demonstrate familiarity with major debates in International Relations, concerning both theoretical and substantive topic matter; | KCPT |
| 002 | Engage critically with central texts on key issues such as war, globalisation and the environment; | KCPT |
| 003 | Begin to apply theoretical frameworks (e.g. Realist, Liberal, and Constructivist) to empirical analysis. | KCT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
Introduce students to a new topic, and provide room for student-led discussion of the topic.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- lecture 1x11
- seminar 1x11
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: POL1013
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Affairs MPA | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| International Relations BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Politics BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Politics and Economics BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Law with International Relations LLB (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2022/3 academic year.